The Ersari tribe of Central Asia, residing in Southern Turkmenistan and Northern Afghanistan, have a long and rich history in the world of antique rugs. Their weavings are widely appreciated for their quality, rich palettes, and their distinctive stamped ‘elephant’s foot’ patterns, making them charming, durable pieces.

This wonderful 19th Century Ersari carpet is a fine example, with lustrous wool and a fine weave, giving a crisp clarity to its drawing. Being an early piece, it not only has better quality wool, but its pattern is simpler and more naive in comparison to later examples, and the vegetable dyes used have taken on a beautiful age-related patina lending a natural colour variation (abrash) to its muted terracotta field, adding a real sense of depth and great richness to the simple drawing. The green accents in the drawing are especially rare in weavings from this region.

It is in excellent condition, still retaining all original four borders and kilim fringes at both ends; remarkable for a rug dating to c.1900.

A classic example, with a tribal charm which would suit a wide variety of settings.